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NTSB Report
June 16, 2013 · Schleicher ASW-27 · N72EM
Elbert, CO
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 16, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elbert, CO
Aircraft
Schleicher ASW-27
Tail Number
N72EM
Operator
Culbertson Rick C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13CA410
In a written statement, the pilot said he departed in his glider with an observed thunderstorm approximately 50 miles from the airport. About 2 hours later, after hearing that other glider pilots had returned to the airport due to the approaching storm, he returned as well. During the approach to the airport, it was raining and the wind was gusting to 38 knots. The airplane landed with a left crosswind. During the landing roll, the left wing impacted the ground and the glider ground looped. The glider sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies and stated the accident could have been prevented if he had landed sooner.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed return to the airport.
Full Narrative
In a written statement, the pilot said he departed in his glider with an observed thunderstorm approximately 50 miles from the airport. About 2 hours later, after hearing that other glider pilots had returned to the airport due to the approaching storm, he returned as well. During the approach to the airport, it was raining and the wind was gusting to 38 knots. The airplane landed with a left crosswind. During the landing roll, the left wing impacted the ground and the glider ground looped. The glider sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies and stated the accident could have been prevented if he had landed sooner.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 MDT
Nearest AirportKelly Airpark (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length3800 ft
Runway Width36 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchleicher ASW-27
Tail NumberN72EM
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCulbertson Rick C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · None · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 27 kt, gusting 33 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 32 C
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time19:34
Weather SourceWFAC